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Julen Lopetegui has held further talks with West Ham United chair David Sullivan as speculation regarding his future continues to rage.

The Spanish Head Coach is widely considered to be a dead man walking after it was revealed the out-of-work Graham Potter has been offered an opportunity to replace him.

Yet it is understood he left the meeting with Sullivan earlier today with his job intact - for now.




Journalist Guillem Balague, an acquaintance of Lopetegui's has confirmed the Spaniard remains employed by the club - even though there are no guarantees that he will remain in place for this weekend's trip to Aston Villa.

"Everyone is aware the team is not fulfilling expectations," said Balague. "And nobody knows what might happen in the next few hours and days.

"Lopetegui is working hard preparing the Villa game and will work hard till the last day, whenever that is. But he has not been sacked at this point.

"The plan continues to be a transformation of the style of the team towards a more modern, versatile one. There are green shoots that suggest things could improve - if you want to see the bottle half full.

"But surprisingly, inside the camp petrol has been thrown into the fire feeding doubts of fans, instead of everyone being on the same boat and supporting the leadership," he added.

"I insist on the idea that Lopetegui, a top European manager, has been treated very harshly. But that is football today. Everyone knows more and nobody wants to be wrong.

"Let's imagine a couple of wins next for West Ham. It could take them top ten."

Even though he remains employed by the club, KUMB understand West Ham's board have offered Lopetegui's job to the currently unemployed Graham Potter, 49, who is also being courted by Everton.




That deal is currently on hold due to disagreement over the length of contract; West Ham offered a temporary six-month position while the former Chelsea and Brighton manager's team are holding out for an additional two years.

Other managers to have spoken with the club in relation to Lopetegui's post in the past 72 hours include former Paris Saint-Germain coach Christophe Galtier and Paulo Fonseca, freshly available after recently being fired by Roma.


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